^Lot 1540 PANAMANIAN ARMY CONTRACT FABRIQUE NATIONALE HIGH

POWER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL. Cal. 9mm Luger. S# 245PR02457. Bbl. 4 5/8". High Power semi-automatic pistol mfg. by Fabrique Nationale under contract for Panama in 1987. The left side of the slide is marked "FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL BELGIQUE/ BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE", with the Panamanian crest between "REPUBLICA DE PANAMA" and "FUERZAS DE DEFENSA", towards the rear sight. Right side of the forward trigger guard web and bbl. lug exhibit Belgian commercial proofs. Metal components exhibit a black enamel finish (applied over a phosphate finish) overall. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered black synthetic grips, and also features a lanyard stud and ring on the left side. Slide features an external extractor, with a fixed half-moon blade front sight, and dovetailed square notch rear sight. All serialized parts are matching and include the frame, slide, and bbl. MAGS: 1 blued 13-rd., with blued button type floorplate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: notes from Charles Wagner detailing this variation. CONDITION: metal components retain the majority of their black enamel type finish, exhibiting some areas of wear and thinning that show through to gray patina, some superficial handling marks, as well as some spots of flaking (from the previous finish) beneath the bluing. Very bright bore, exhibiting some light pitting, while retaining well defined rifling throughout. Grips show some scattered superficial marks from handling and storage, but otherwise remain sturdy and serviceable. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Charles Wagner. (25-438/MLW). MODERN. $1,000-2,000.